Meet clickjacking’s slicker cousin, ‘gesture jacking,’ aka ‘cross window forgery’

Meet clickjacking's slicker cousin, 'gesture jacking,' aka 'cross window forgery'

April 3, 2024 at 02:42AM

Clickjacking, an attack technique repurposing web page elements, poses ongoing challenges for browsers and developers. The latest variation, “cross window forgery,” leverages user gestures to execute attacks, with potential for account takeovers. Browser makers continue efforts to reduce risks, while experts recommend defensive measures, such as randomizing ID tag values and adopting specific document policies.

Based on the meeting notes, the key takeaways are:

1. Clickjacking and its variations, such as cross window forgery or “gesture jacking,” remain a significant security concern for web browsers and web developers.

2. The latest variation of the technique, cross window forgery, involves convincing users to press and hold down the Enter key or Space bar on an attacker-controlled website.

3. Browser developers and security analysts, such as Eric Lawrence and Paulos Yibelo, are actively discussing and exploring defensive measures against clickjacking attacks.

4. Recommendations for web developers include not giving sensitive buttons an ID tag that can be targeted by attackers, and considering defensive measures such as randomizing the ID tag value or redirecting incoming requests to drop URL fragments.

5. Browser makers have implemented various changes over the years to reduce the risk of clickjacking, but it remains an ongoing effort.

6. It is important for web developers to adopt best practices, such as using Content Security Policy to prevent webpage framing and disabling sensitive webpage interface elements until windows have been properly sized and the user has released any held keys.

These takeaways reflect the ongoing challenges and efforts in addressing clickjacking and associated attacks, highlighting the need for vigilance and defensive measures by both browser developers and web developers.

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